. . . and while the accompanying jewels were an extravaganza of coral and diamonds and pearls, the dolce & gabbana spring/summer couture collection was an ode to milanese architecture never to be worn on hollywood’s red carpet, reserved only for couture clients, an extraordinary parade of embellished day dresses and evening gowns, glamorous chignons and luxurious brocade and exquisite lace . . .

For the audience included Arabian princesses (one in a strikingly short ostrich feather dress), African heiresses, Italian contessas, Russian oligarchs’ wives and Chinese millionairesses.